John Proctor
John ProctorThroughout the play, “The Crucible”, a theme of moral choice predominates. This occurs due to the problems, which arise involving the morality of the characters. A focus is placed upon those who face a moral choice in the play, which allows us to witness the development of their character. These characters confront a moral and mental dilemma. In order to solve this, they must grow as human beings and reach a level of righteousness, which allows them to make the correct decision. A perfect example of this is John Proctor. Throughout this play John Proctor has to overcome tremendous emotional and moral obstacles and as a result his character develops into a different person.
In the beginning of the play John Proctor was nothing more than an average man. John was well respected in the community and well known for his honesty. John is initially described as a kind man, not easily led, powerful of body and even tempered. John is described as a very passive person and not known to lead to violence. “He was a kind man - powerful of body, even- tempered and not easily led…”
John Proctor is considered an honest man, but few know that he is guilty of adultery with the teenage servant Abigail Williams. This compromises his honesty in the eyes of his wife and causes him to be doubted and not given the trust he deserves. This also causes John to view himself as a sinner and gives him s feeling of being unworthy of the respect he is given. Even though John gives great importance to his public appearance, John Proctor has a very low view of himself and his worth as a human being, which affects many of his decisions in the outcome of the play. “I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint. It is a fraud. I am not that man. My honesty is broke Elizabeth; I am no good man”
After the accusations of witchcraft arouse, John assumes a more leading role in the community. John assumes a leadership position in the movement to free Elizabeth Proctor, Rebecca Nurse and Mrs. Corey from the prison. John becomes the strong and independent leader many doubted he could be. Although he fails in his motion to free his wife and friends from prison we see different sides to his character.
When the deposition stating Mary Warren had lied in court begins to falter John displays a very aggressive and violent attitude. John, who is driven crazy by the lying of Abigail Williams, grabs and shakes her. This displays a very bad tempered individual who won’t hesitate to use violence. This is...
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